As the first week of COP29 draws to a close, we share a story from the frontlines of the escalating climate crisis, where communities bear witness to the urgent need for action.
Marisa’s life is intertwined with the unforgiving impacts of climate change on the small village where she lives in the Philippines. When torrential rains unleashed severe flooding across Northern Samar municipality last November, the 48-year-old faced an impossible choice.
“During the flood, we stayed in our house, despite the strong wind and rising water because I couldn’t carry both of my unwell children,” Marisa recalls.
As floodwaters invaded their modest home, Marisa and her children huddled together in a small room. “Each time water came in through the door, we used a pail and a broom to sweep it away.”
The night was a relentless battle against nature, each wave threatening to engulf the family’s home.
Silent suffering
The aftermath was devastating. Along with Marisa’s family in Barangay Nenita, over 1 million people were affected across 4 regions of the Philippines.
“Most of our crops were destroyed during the flood. We had to start from scratch,” Marisa says. Seedlings and fertiliser bought on credit had been lost, leaving the family saddled with debt they had no means of repaying.
With her husband working as a labourer in Manila, Marisa shoulders the burden of caregiving and tending to the farm. The family’s limited resources often mean they eat only twice a day and resort to boiling tap water to drink. Finding medicines for her unwell children is also a constant challenge for Marisa.
Climate change: a catalyst for hardship
Marisa’s story is not just one of the impacts of a natural disaster; it shows how climate change amplifies existing vulnerabilities in families and communities. The floods did not just wash away crops, they eroded the fragile stability of the lives of those affected.
“We didn’t lose many valuable possessions since we don’t have much, but I am just thankful that we are safe,” Marisa says. “I don’t feel safe, but because of what happened, I became more alert to my surroundings.”
The challenges Marisa faces – accessing healthcare for her children, food and water insecurity and debt – have all been exacerbated by the climate-induced flooding.
Timely intervention
Islamic Relief stepped in to provide immediate assistance in response to the floods. Multipurpose cash grants of 5,000 PHP were distributed to affected families, addressing urgent needs like food, medicine, and farming supplies.
“When I received the 5,000 pesos from Islamic Relief, my first purchases were medicines and diapers for my children,” Marisa shares. “With the remaining money, I also bought seedlings and fertilisers to start over with our crops.”
This was more than financial support for Marisa, it was a validation of her struggles and a recognition of her dignity. “I was worried and frustrated about finding money for my children’s needs, but I am grateful that this assistance will help me buy their medicines and diapers for weeks. In that way, I can concentrate on finding extra income.”
Islamic Relief’s intervention goes beyond providing desperately needed survival items. By coordinating with local partners we help communities build resilience to future disasters.
A message to the world
As discussions at COP29 aim to address global policies on climate change, Marisa’s experience brings a human dimension to debate. It is a stark reminder that behind every statistic are real people facing life-altering challenges.
“I would like to thank Islamic Relief from the bottom of my heart. Thank you for not leaving us and for helping us,” she says. “I didn’t know I could get help from our Muslim brothers and sisters.”
Her gratitude underscores the universal nature of compassion and the collective responsibility we share in addressing climate change.
With your support, Islamic Relief can continue to serve as a lifeline to communities affected by climate-induced disaster in the Philippines and beyond. Please donate to our Global Emergencies fund today.
